Fuchs’ Dystrophy is a corneal disease that progresses slowly and usually affects both eyes.
The disease is slightly more common in women than men and typically first affects vision when people reach their fifties and sixties.
This degenerative disorder of the cornea generally leads to corneal edema and some loss of vision. This disease is known to have a genetic link, but environmental factors play a role in its progression. This variable expressivity is seen with increased severity in females.
If you answered yes to all of these questions, it is imperative that you see an ophthalmologist to evaluate your vision care needs.
Dr. Cutarelli can diagnose Fuchs’ Dystrophy during a slit-lamp examination. Additional tests that may be done include:
Eye drops or ointments that draw fluid out of the cornea are used to relieve symptoms of Fuchs’ Dystrophy. If painful sores develop on the cornea, soft contact lenses or surgery to create flaps over the sores may help reduce pain. The only cure for Fuchs’ Dystrophy is a Corneal Transplant. Fuchs’ Dystrophy is one of the leading reasons for corneal transplantion in the United States.
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Kertoplasty (DMEK) & Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) is an alternative to a traditional transplant. In this procedure, only the inner layers of the cornea are replaced with donor tissue. The procedure requires no stitches. Recovery time is faster and there are fewer complications, such as rejection.
With four convenient locations throughout the greater Denver area (Denver Tech Center of Englewood, Fort Collins, Broomfield in Boulder Valley and Colorado Springs), Cutarelli Vision has an office near you that is standing by to diagnose and treat your Fuchs’ Dystrophy. Contact us today.
Dr. Cutarelli was the first LASIK surgeon in the Denver area to offer his patients All-Laser LASIK - utilizing the most exciting combination of technological LASIK advancements, delivering the best possible visual outcomes and the sharpest laser vision correction possible. Cutarelli Vision is a leader in LASIK surgery in Colorado. People travel from across the country to receive our expert care. If you're seeking world-class LASIK - Cutarelli Vision is your destination.
